3 minutes read time The Barbados Bonsai Club: Cultivating Miniature Masterpieces The Barbados Bonsai Club, is a small but passionate group dedicated to the ancient Japanese art of bonsai. Affiliated with Bonsai Clubs International (BCI), the club connects Barbados to a global network of bonsai enthusiasts while nurturing local interest in this delicate horticultural practice. …
Continue reading Barbados Horticultural Society’s Bonsai and Orchid show.
5 minutes read time Morocco can best be described as a land of contrasts, desert and sea, plains and mountains, old and new, simplicity and luxury. High-speed trains and highways connect cities, while donkeys and carts remain common in medinas and rural areas. These contrasts don’t clash — they weave together into a vibrant cultural …
4 minutes read time The Barbados Synagogue, known as the Nidhe Israel Synagogue, is the oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere. It remains a central part of Barbados’ Jewish heritage and is now part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in 1654 by Sephardic Jews fleeing persecution in Brazil, it's located in the capital …
3 minutes read time Road tripping UK took us from London to Dover to see the white cliffs. The trip takes about 2 hours and offers stunning coastal views, rich history, and invigorating walks. Drive via the M2 or M20, park at the National Trust visitor centre, and explore cliff-top trails and the nearby Dover …
Continue reading Exploring the Langdon Stairs Trail at the White Cliffs of Dover
The things you find while travelling never ceases to amaze. On the way to the South Stack Lighthouse which is located on Holy Island off the coast of Anglesey, which is located off the northwest coast of Wales, we decided on this quick stop; the village of Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch—often shortened to Llanfairpwllgwyngyll or simply Llanfair PG. …
Continue reading Visit Llanfair PG in Wales: Home to one of the Longest Place Names
Read time 6 minutes Taormina is one of Sicily’s most enchanting destinations—a cliffside town where ancient ruins meet panoramic sea views, and every winding alley offers you a chance for new discoveries. Located on the island’s eastern coast, Taormina offers travelers a rare blend of cultural depth, natural beauty, and timeless charm. I must confess, …
Continue reading Exploring Mount Etna and Taormina’s Rich Heritage
8 minutes read time If you're dreaming of a scenic loop through Ireland, you're in for a treat. The emerald isle is packed with dramatic coastlines, medieval towns, castles, lush countryside and so much more —all perfect for a great adventure. Our recent road trip actually started in Belfast, Northern Ireland, took us north, west, …
Continue reading The Ultimate Road Trip Guide to Ireland’s Cliffs
7 minutes read time We'd seen the pictures, we'd seen the videos but the excitement you feel when you realize you'll get to experience Chefchaouen firsthand, it's something you can't describe. As we stepped inside the Blue Pearl, there was definitely a feeling of sensory overload, but in a good way. Now that we're finally …
Continue reading Why you need to visit Chefchaouen, Morocco’s magical blue city
Reading time 8 minutes Barbados boasts a rich legacy steeped in history, and at the center of it all is its Parliament—the third oldest continuously functioning Parliament in the Commonwealth. From its inception in the 17th century to its present-day role in a thriving democratic society, the Barbados Parliament represents resilience, evolution, and the spirit …
Continue reading Barbados Parliament: From Colonial Roots to Modern Republic
Reading time four minutes Situated along Morocco’s stunning coastline between Agadir and Essaouira, Aghroud Surf Beach is not only a paradise for surfers but also a feast for the eyes. The charming, colorful houses lining the beachfront add a unique energy to the serene landscape, creating a perfect blend of art, culture, and coastal beauty. …
Continue reading Discover Aghroud Surf Beach: Morocco’s Colorful Coastal Gem
Reading time 5 minutes Morocco as a tourist destination has always intrigued us, but after putting it off for so long, we decided this would be the year to do it. During our research, we happened upon this tour company, Minzifa Travel and it had everything we were looking for. We went there with tempered …
5 minutes read time Road tripping Scotland led us to do one of those things that some may regard as touristy, however, you have to sprinkle in a few of them here and there, after all we're tourists. On our way to Fort William where we would spend the night, we thought it would be …
6 minutes read time When deciding on an Italian vacation, I imagine most people think of the usual highlights, Rome, Venice, Florence, Milan, Napoli and the like. Not to be overlooked however are the smaller villages and towns which offer an authentic old-world experience. I must say, Siena is one such town I hadn't heard …
Continue reading Exploring Siena, Italy: A Timeless Journey Through History and Culture
8 minutes read time The year 2024 was a very busy travel year for us. Between road tripping and cruising, we covered some 14 countries and municipalities in Europe. From bustling city centers, quaint villages, museums, beaches, highland trails, remote monasteries and archeological sites, we experienced quite a variety of things last year. One of …
Continue reading A Day in Vernazza: Exploring the Jewel of the Cinque Terre.
8 minutes read time Vatican City is the smallest independent city-state in the world, yet one of the most significant cultural and religious centers. Nestled within the heart of Rome, this tiny enclave is a treasure trove of art, history, and spirituality. Never immune from controversy however, it reflects the complex and multifaceted nature of …
Continue reading Discovering the Vatican City: A Journey Through History, Art, and Faith
My trip to Nepal several years ago, is one of my all-time favorite experiences. There's nothing quite like seeing the grandeur of the Himalayas with its snowcapped peaks, expansive glaciers and lush valleys up close. Trekking to Everest base camp usually starts out with a flight from Kathmandu into Lukla airport which is considered to …
Continue reading Flashback: Mt Everest Base Camp trek, 2010.
Exploring the Majestic Meteora Monasteries: 7 minutes read time Our whirlwind European road trip and Mediterranean cruise brought us to Athens, Greece. From our centrally located hotel, (you could see the Acropolis from the rooftop restaurant) we were within walking distance of a lot of the major attractions. The Meteora Monasteries was on our list …
Continue reading A Guide to Visiting the Majestic Meteora Monasteries
5 minutes read time Nestled between Nice and Monaco on the French Riviera, the medieval village of Èze is a hidden gem that offers a blend of history, stunning views, and ancient cobblestone streets. This picturesque village perched on rocky hill 1,400 feet above the French Mediterranean is a must-visit for anyone exploring the south …
Continue reading Explore Èze: A French Medieval Hilltop Village with Stunning Views.
My wife and I travel quite a bit, and we always have fun walking city streets, looking to find quirky and interesting attractions. The Leake Street graffiti tunnel was one of those attractions we heard about and were eager to check out. Nestled beneath the bustling platforms of Waterloo Station, we found this vibrant and …
5 minutes read time Scotland is well renowned for its picturesque, highland landscapes and on a recent trip there, we included a visit to the Isle of Skye. Adding to our already aggressive itinerary, we wanted to squeeze in a trip to the Fairy Pools. Located in the remote region of Glenbrittle, this area is …
Continue reading A Guide to the Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye, Scotland.
Nestled in the heart of the Czech Republic, Karlovy Vary, also known by its German name Karlsbad, is a picturesque spa town renowned for its hot springs, (used for therapeutic purposes since the 14th century,) stunning architecture, and rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or a bit of both, Karlovy Vary offers something …
Continue reading Discovering Karlovy Vary: A Spa Town Gem in the Czech Republic.
The last stop on our road trip California was San Francisco. One of the items on our bucket list was a trip to Alcatraz Island but we'd read some online reviews and there were some very negative ones. As part of our travel research, we'll read reviews of attractions we're interested in to get a …
Continue reading Exploring Alcatraz Island: History, Prison Cells, and Gardens
Continuing our drive through the Garmisch Partenkirchen area in Bavaria, a visit to the Partnach Gorge (German: Partnachklamm)was definitely on the list. We really didn't know what to expect as we hadn't done any research on it. I imagined the setting to be more canyon like with high cliffs where you just leisurely strolled through. This was a …
Continue reading Partnach Gorge Hike: A Spectacular Bavarian Experience
As part of our road tripping European holiday, we visited Germany, my wife's home country. One of the highlights of the trip was visiting the Zugspitze in Garmisch-Partenkirchen which at 2950 meters (approximately 9600 ft), it's the highest point in Germany. My wife throughout all her travels in Germany had never been to the Zugspitze …
Continue reading Ride a cable car to the Zugspitze, Germany’s highest point.
3 minutes read time The Bone Caves located near the small village of Inchnadamph and Loch Assynt, is a beautiful and popular hiking destination in the West Highlands of Scotland. In these four caves located at the bottom of a limestone cliff were found bones of animals like reindeer, badger, polar bear and arctic fox …
Continue reading The Bone Caves, a quick stop on Scotland’s NC 500
Milford Sound also known by its indigenous Māori name Piopioptahi is one New Zealand's most popular tourist destinations. It's one of those places I've wanted to visit for a long time. I first learned of Milford Sound when I was a young boy. My mother, who worked at a hotel at the time, would sometimes …
Continue reading Discover Milford Sound: A Fiordland National Park Gem
On a recent trip to California, my wife and I visited our daughter and son in law, and they took us to this quaint little town we'd never heard of called Ojai (pronounced Oh-hi.) Located about 2 hours northwest of Los Angeles or about a half an hour from Ventura Beach, this town has a …
Continue reading California road trip: Check out this unique bookstore in Ojai.
Hell’s Gate is a geothermal reserve and mud spa in Rotorua, New Zealand and is an area of historical significance for the local Māori people who have used it for centuries as a place for healing and general wellbeing. As you drive up, that distinct smell of sulphur is ever present in the air. Here you can …
Did you know there's a Celtic festival that's celebrated in Barbados annually? Wait, what? you may be asking yourself, "what's the connection?" Well, Barbados was a former English colony and during the Irish Scottish wars with England, (the Wars of the Three Kingdoms,) military commander Oliver Cromwell, had Irish, Scottish and Welsh prisoners transported throughout …
Continue reading Celtic Festival in Barbados, yes, Barbados!
Christmas in Barbados is not unlike many places in the world. Just switch the cold and snow to sun and sand and the traditions are somewhat similar. First of all, the house has to be spruced up, maybe some fresh paint and new curtains for sure. There are church services, traditional Christmas music about winter …
Continue reading The Queen’s Park stroll, a Christmas tradition in Barbados since 1907.
Barbados is many things to many people. There is a plethora of things to do on this 166 sq mile Caribbean Island and my wife and I are always seeking out and finding interesting off the beaten path places that most tourists and even some locals don't even know about. If you're a student of …
Continue reading Why we love the rugged coastlines and idyllic beaches of Barbados
Having a little green space in the heart of a bustling city like Bridgetown is always a good thing that's why the Golden Square Freedom Park was a welcome addition to the city's landscape. This is a new park having only been opened in November 2021 to commemorate Barbados' transition from a parliamentary monarchy (Queen …
Continuing our Australian East Coast Road trip, we left the seaside town of Shoal Bay in the morning in pouring rain, trying to get a jump on the day. We'd had great weather all along, but Shoal Bay was a wash out as was Coffs Harbour the previous day, as it was a full day …
Continue reading Australia’s Blue Mountains National Park, an easy day trip from Sydney.
#wordlesswednesday #photography #flowers #botanics
Seattle's Gum wall. Near Pike's Market in Seattle, Washington, is one of those weird attractions you come across as you travel. The custom of sticking gum to this wall goes back to the early 1990's. Patrons of the nearby Market Theatre would leave their gum on the wall as the waited in line for shows. …
Australia has many offshore islands, some with their own unique features. We decided to add a trip to Fraser Island which now goes by its traditional name, K'Gari (pronounced Gurri, the K is silent) to our itinerary since we would be in the area of Hervey Bay on our Aussie East Coast Road trip. K'Gari, …
Continue reading Visit Fraser Island, (K’Gari), Australia, the world’s largest sand island.
What an awesome experience, time spent with a Maasai family, Ngorongoro, Tanzania.
After we finished up our road trip Australia in Sydney, we took a side trip to the town of Yulara in the Red Center, to see Uluru (Ayer's Rock) and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas.) There are a few ways to do this. Fly to Alice Springs, then drive 5.5 hours to Yulara or fly directly …
Continue reading Yulara, gateway to Uluru and Kata Tjuta in Australia’s Red Centre.
The islands of the Caribbean have a very interesting history. From the Amerindians, Arawaks, Caribs and Tainos who were the earliest inhabitants, to the African slaves brought in to work the sugar fields, Scottish and Irish prisoners of war, indentured servants from India, Middle Easterners, Jews fleeing persecution in Europe, Chinese and of course the …
Continue reading The street of mansions, the Magnificent Seven of Trinidad.
Taking up an entire city block, the Queen Victoria Building is home to finest, most elegant shopping experience in Sydney. It borders George, Market, York and Druitt streets in the Central Business District (CBD) and definitely stands out amongst the modern skyscrapers. It was built between 1893 and 1898 on the location of the old …
Continue reading Inside the iconic Queen Victoria Building which houses Sydney’s finest mall.
#photography #wordlesswednesday
Ever since its inception in 2009, the VIVID Sydney festival, a spectacle of color, light and sound, has been delighting locals and tourists. There are 3D art projections, performing artists, interactive attractions and lots of culinary offerings. Another feature is an 8 km light walk that encompasses the various neighborhoods throughout the city. This year's …
Continue reading Spectacular Sydney, Australia, VIVID Festival, 2023.
#photography #outdoors #trekking
#photography #seabirds #beaches
#bridges #photography #cityscapes #wordlesswednesday
For more tropical flowers, check out one of my earlier blog posts.
The Sandy Lane Gold Cup high stakes race has been a fixture on the Barbados horse racing calendar for forty years. It takes place in early March at the historic Garrison Savannah just outside of the capital Bridgetown. It's definitely an international affair as it attracts fans from across the globe. Racing began at the …
Continue reading The biggest sporting event in Barbados: The Sandy Lane Gold Cup.
You must be logged in to post a comment.